Climbing Together: Advancing Truth, Reconciliation, and Poverty Reduction in the Shuswap

The Shuswap Community Foundation is proud to support a powerful new initiative from the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Shuswap/Revelstoke Branch. This two-year project, A Call to Climb: A Framework for Truth, Reconciliation, and Poverty Reduction, brings together Indigenous and non-Indigenous community members to build stronger relationships, address poverty, and advance reconciliation in Salmon Arm. Funded through the Shuswap Prosperity Fund, this initiative is one of 12 local projects awarded grants totaling $259,500 in 2024.

Taking inspiration from Justice Murray Sinclair’s powerful words, “We have described for you a mountain. We have shown you the path to the top. We call upon you to do the climbing.” CMHA’s initiative aims to create a tangible, community-led response to the lasting effects of colonialism and the systemic roots of poverty in the Shuswap.

Led by Indigenous facilitators and local partners, A Call to Climb will bring together Elders, youth, service providers, business owners, and community leaders through roundtable discussions, cultural events, and capacity-building sessions. The goal is to embed Truth and Reconciliation principles into service delivery and economic life in Salmon Arm — building bridges, deepening understanding, and creating a replicable framework for inclusive change.

“What excites us about this project is its focus on collaboration and long-term impact,” says Roger Parenteau, Executive Director of the Shuswap Community Foundation. “By supporting locally rooted initiatives like this, we’re investing in a more inclusive, informed, and resilient community — one that honours the voices of Indigenous Peoples and takes action on the path to reconciliation.”

The initiative will not only foster relationships and awareness but will also result in a toolkit of strategies and resources to help organizations and businesses integrate reconciliation into their ongoing work. From training and cultural mentorship to the development of Indigenous-language tools, the project is designed to create both personal and structural change.

A Framework for the Future

The Shuswap Prosperity Fund, was created to invest in bold, collaborative projects that generate long-term solutions to pressing community issues such as poverty, inclusion, and economic resilience. This investment in CMHA’s project underscores the Foundation’s commitment to community-led transformation and the power of working across sectors.

This grant represents more than funding — it’s a shared step on the journey toward a more inclusive and just Shuswap region. Together, we are lifting up local voices, deepening relationships, and helping our communities climb toward equity and understanding.

Here is the full list of Shuswap Prosperity Fund recipients: